According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Sinaloa Cartel is largely responsible for the massive influx of fentanyl into the U.S. over the past several years. The Chapitos and their confederates use various means to purchase fentanyl precursor chemicals from chemical and pharmaceutical companies in the People’s Republic Of China, including using brokers in other countries to purchase the precursor chemicals from those companies on the Cartel’s behalf.
Ana Gabriela Rubio Zea, a/k/a “Gaby,” based in Guatemala, is a broker who works with the Cartel (among other traffickers). Rubio Zea uses her connections to People’s Republic of China based suppliers and chemical manufacturers to procure fentanyl precursor chemicals for the Cartel. Additionally, she putstraffickers in touch directly with those People’s Republic of China based suppliers, knowing that these chemicals will be used to manufacture fentanyl for ultimate distribution in the U.S. and elsewhere.
On April 4, 2023, a federal grand jury sitting in the Southern District of New York (SDNY) returned an indictment against Ana Gabriela Rubio Zea and others charging them with Fentanyl Importation Conspiracy, Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy, and Money Laundering Conspiracy.
On March 17, 2023, Rubio Zea was arrested in Guatemala City, Guatemala, based on a provisional arrest warrant associated with charges in the anticipated April 4, 2023 indictment. Rubio Zea remains in custody pending her extradition to the U.S..
The U.S. Department of State is offering a REWARD OF UP TO $1 MILLION for information leading to the conviction of Ana Gabriela Rubio Zea.
If you have information, please contact the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration via email at ChapitosTips@dea.gov. If you are located outside of the U.S., you may also visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If in the U.S., you can contact the local DEA office in your city.
ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.
Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.